SEASONAL WATER STRESS IN SOME CHILEAN MATORRAL SHRUBS
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1978
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Abstract
Environmental and plant characteristics relating to plant water stress were measured in 7 shrub species, Satureja gilliesii, Cryptocarya alba, Quillaja saponaria, Lithraea caustica, Colliguaya odorifera, Retanilla ephedra and Proustia cinera, growing on equator- (EFS) and pole-facing (PFS) slopes in the mediterranean region of central Chile. Midday air temperatures and vapor pressure deficits were greater on the EFS than on the PFS. Soil moisture was greater during the winter but less during the summer on the EFS. Midday xylem potentials in all species decreased during the summer, increased after the 1st rain and were lower on the EFS. Mean leaf size was smaller on the EFS. Stomatal frequency differed only for Q. saponaria and C. odorifera. Species with shallow root systems had lower xylem potentials.